Colonial Starhound
class Viper is a combination Fighter/Interceptor, capable of both
space and atmospheric combat; the Viper is the primary fighter
craft presently employed by the Colonials. A standard Vipers is
29 feet (8.85 meters) in length and carries one pilot. A Viper's
weapons consist of Laser-Torpedo guns and can be outfitted to
carry two missiles under each wing.

Vipers are powered
by a hybrid reactor system that includes a Tylium energizer with
a single 1,570.8 cm^3 fuel cell and two Fusion reactors. These
systems combined have an output of 200 Terajoules and provides
the Viper with power for life support, weapons, engines and all
ship systems. This power pack gives a Viper the ability to sustain
space travel for nearly two weeks if necessary.

Vipers have three
Ion engines, providing the ship with a maximum acceleration of
110.25 m/s^2 and a speed greater than Mach-3 in atmosphere. Vipers
use liquid mercury fuel for their Ion engines, stored in the wings
and two internal fuel tanks. Turbo boost is acomplished by dumping
and igniting solonite plasma along with the ion exhaust. Once
"Turbo" is engaged the Viper becomes the fastest Sub-Light
fighter in space.

Vipers also employ
a form of Ram-Scoop/Jet Intake system, that processes particles
in space and within the atmosphere of planets, hydrogen in particular,
and turns it into usable fuel for the Fusion reactor and engines.

Viper cockpit is pressurized
and can induce a state of partial "suspended animation"
during pilot sleep periods, in order to save on oxygen. In the
event of catastrophic system damage, the entire cockpit module
can detach and eject away from the damaged Viper craft, aforementioned
suspension system allowing a pilot to survive for up to three
days after ejecting.

Variants on the Viper
include a two-seat version for scouting, as well as an unarmed
type that employs an advanced A.I. system and engines capable
of expelling ion particles at near light speed.